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How do you know if your information is appropriate?

There are two aspects to consider when determining if your information is appropriate:

  • Does your information meet assessment task requirements?
  • Have you analysed the quality of your information?

Does your information meet assessment task requirements?

You need to ensure that the information you have found is relevant to the assessment task requirements (including any relevant assessment criteria). For example:

  • Are particular sources of information specified? (e.g. peer-reviewed articles)
  • Is a specific timeframe nominated? (e.g. research published within the last five years)
  • If you are required to undertake a broader search of the literature, have you covered a wide range of reputable sources? Have you been able to identify significant research, any trends or themes, or major researchers in the field?

Have you analysed the quality of your information?

Not all of the information you find will be suitable for use. There are some standard criteria for evaluating sources that can help you decide whether information is appropriate:

  • currency
  • reliability
  • coverage
  • accuracy
  • author credentials

Additional guidelines relating to these criteria need to be considered when evaluating websites.